LGBTQ2S+ Youth Housing

This Housing First project enables us to ally with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Two-Spirit, Plus (LGBTQ2S+) youth and support them in creating a community where they can achieve their potential and avoid a long-term dependency on social services.

The youth (ages 18-24) connect with a team member weekly and are offered choices in housing, selecting neighbourhoods where they feel safe. The model follows best practices in Housing First, recognizing the importance of choice and self-determination.

This program specifically for LGBTQ2S+ youth who are or at risk of becoming homeless is the first program of its kind in Canada. Individuals come off the street, build supportive networks, and find market housing and employment.

The emphasis is on:

Building community support;

Providing opportunities for employment & education;

Offering accessible and safe healthcare and strong peer networks.

Additional Resources

Our staff will get back to people who are interested in this program as soon as they can, but here are other resources that may be helpful:

Why are we doing this?

Homeless counts indicate that there are over 700 homeless youth in Vancouver, and many more uncounted or under housed. In Canada, research shows that the LGBTQ2S+ population of homeless youth is between 25-40%, while approximately 10% of the total general population identify as LGBTQ2S+. Read more

We would like to acknowledge all the communities across Canada who have been fighting for safe shelter and permanent housing for LGBTQ2S+ homeless youth. Our hope is that the research gained and the model developed from this project will assist in your efforts.

How you can help!

The root of homelessness is a lack of supportive community for young people. It’s our connections with our community, family and friends that keep us all safe from living on our streets. These youth need natural community, people who are generally interested in them and looking for life long friendships, people who want to welcome these young people into their lives and the LGBTQ2S+ community.

We have secured funding to operate this project until the end of March 2019 and are seeking funds and partnership to continue this important work. Your financial support will ensure that LGBTQ2S+ youth can live in a safe, supported environment uniquely designed to serve this population – the first in Vancouver, the first in Canada!